Avram Grant claims the four points separating West Ham from safety is “not a lot” with so much of the season to play.

And the Upton Park boss has targeted the next four games against teams in the bottom half of the Premier League to kick start their season.

Only one team in Premier League history - West Brom in 2005 - have escaped the drop after being at the bottom on December 25.

Now the Hammers, who have not won away for 16 months, need a big win at Blackburn and Wolves to lose the Black Country derby on Sunday to avoid fighting against statistical history as well as their own poor form.

“It’s one more challenge,” insisted Grant. “I think the next month or two are important for us because we cannot continue playing well but not getting points.

“The time has come to stop saying: ‘We played well, but...’

“If I am asking the team to be strong and show character then I have to be the first one to do that. I have to lead, be strong, show character.

“There is time to recover but we need to change things and get points. It won’t be easy but we can do it.”

The Hammers travel to Blackburn on Saturday and then Fulham on Boxing Day before Everton and Wolves visit the Boleyn Ground on December 28 and New Year’s Day.

Back in November, co-owner David Sullivan set a target of seven points in four games. Now after the 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City, Grant must be looking for at least that number to ensure he is able to wheel and deal in the January transfer window.

“We have to take points from every game, we want to take points from every game, but of course its more reachable, more possible, against teams that are around us than against teams higher in the league, like Manchester City,” he said.

“Manchester City is a better team than us. I think anyhow we can stay in the league. We are four points from safety and that is not a lot when you still have more than half of the season still to play.”

Grant, whose side have now won only two in 17 Premier League matches this season, has said he has started discussions with the owners about bringing in “two or three” players next month.

One new signing who has never appeared for the Hammers - Thomas Hitzlsperger - is targeting making his debut in February.

The Germany midfielder suffered a thigh injury in August and returned to his homeland for surgery in October.

“There’s not a lot you can do after this kind of surgery,” said the 28-year-old, who spent four years at Aston Villa.

“Now the healing process is going well and I’m quite optimistic I’ll be able to play in February.”